On Friday, just over an hour's drive north of Dunedin, Kiwi rock band The Feelers, the band whose version of Right Here, Right Now is the official Rugby World Cup song headlines an outdoor concert in Oamaru. About two hours or so inland from Dunedin in Alexandra, Central Otago, the country's top shearers and woolhandlers do battle in the 50th annual NZ Merino Shears, along with a tri-nations test between South Africa, Australia and New Zealand shearers. The shearing action continues on Saturday as well.
Here are details of the main events to help you decide which entertainment is for you this weekend.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
The use of bagpipes may be controversial in stadiums for Rugby World Cup, but come Saturday, the Dunedin Town Hall will echo to the sounds of Scotland's national instrument as a "Bagrock" band gives its lively stage performance.
The major Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival event features guest artists The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, named Scottish "Live Act of the Year" in 2007 and 2010.
The Chillis are enormously talented and skilful musicians.
Formed in 2002, they have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature "Bagrock" around the world with their unique fusion of rocked up bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres.
Between them, band members have four music degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and all the pipers and drummers have played at the top level in bagpiping. The band also includes twice world champion snare drummer Steven Graham. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers put on a show guaranteed to amaze any audience.
Where: Dunedin Town Hall.
When: Saturday, 5pm.
Cost: $47/$37.
Tickets: Ticket Direct ph 0800 4 TICKET or Regent Theatre, Octagon.
Bog Rocks Music Fest
An outdoor concert extravaganza featuring headliners The Feelers supported by The Beat Girls, The Black Velvet Irish Band and star local act X-Factor.
Where: Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Tamar St, Oamaru.
When: Friday. Gates open from 5.30pm.
Cost: $50.
Tickets: Ticket Direct outlets including the Oamaru Opera House, Oamaru i-Site or online.
Merino shearing and wool-handling
See top Kiwi shearers and wool-handlers handling Shrek the sheep's cousins at the International New Zealand Merino Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.
A special feature of this year's championship is the Friday night tri-nations blade-shearing test between South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Then on Saturday night a tri-nations machine and blade-shearing challenge will be held for the first time.
Where: Molyneux Park Stadium, Alexandra.
When:Friday and Saturday from 7.30am.
Cost: Free during the day. $10 (door sales) for finals evening sessions from 7pm.
Port Chalmers Seafood Festival
Indulge in the freshest locally caught seafood, prepared in contemporary and traditional ways. There will also be a selection of Otago's finest wines, ales and beers. Entertainment provided on the wharf and throughout the historic township.
Where: Beach St, Port Chalmers.
When: Saturday, 11am-5pm.
Cost: Adults $25, under 18 $10, under six free.
Details: www.portchalmers.com
Waitaki Golden Oldies rugby tournament
Join former international rugby players from New Zealand and abroad enjoying the camaraderie and companionship that is synonymous with Golden Oldies rugby.
Where: Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Taward St, Oamaru.
When: Saturday and Sunday. Play start at 11am. (Sunday, World XV v Waitaki Wasps at 12.30pm).
Details: www.waitakigoldenoldiesrugby.co.nz
Autospectacular
This Dunedin event features a huge display of classic vehicles and features 100 years of Chevrolet and 50 years of Jaguar. Displays and demonstrations, family fun with food available.
Where: Edgar Centre, Portsmouth Dr, Dunedin.
When: Saturday, 9am-4pm.
Cost: Adults $10, children $2, under fives free.
Tapanui Beer Fest
Following a sellout last year, the West Otago town's version of the Munich Oktoberfest is back. Enjoy a great night out with a variety of beers including the famous "Hofbrau". Groups are catered for.
Where: Kelso Court, showgrounds, Tapanui.
When: Saturday, 6.30pm-12am.
Cost: $40 includes 1/2 Stein, first beer and food and Oompah band.
Tickets: West Otago Transport, Carvin, Hammer Hardward, IdealPrint. Inquiries Ph: Lynne Raynbird (03) 20-48876.